Ear-worn electronic device incorporating directional magnetic antenna

ABSTRACT

An ear-worn electronic device includes a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and the first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first side is configured to contact the wearer&#39;s head. A battery is disposed within the housing proximate the first end. An acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector is disposed within the housing proximate the second end. Electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed in the housing. A directional magnetic antenna is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio. The antenna comprises a core having a complex shape and a coil wound around a portion of the core. The core comprises a closed end oriented toward a source of magnetic noise and an open end oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to hearing devices, includingear-worn electronic devices, hearing aids, personal amplificationdevices, and other hearables.

BACKGROUND

Hearing devices provide sound for the wearer. Some examples of hearingdevices are headsets, hearing aids, speakers, cochlear implants, boneconduction devices, and personal listening devices. Hearing devices maybe capable of performing wireless communication between a pair ofhearing devices and with other devices, via short-range and long-rangecommunication links.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic deviceconfigured to be worn by a wearer. The device includes a housingcomprising a first end and an opposing second end, a first side and anopposing second side, and the first and second sides extending betweenthe first and second ends. The first side is configured to contact thewearer's head. A battery is disposed within the housing proximate thefirst end. An acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector isdisposed within the housing proximate the second end. Electronicsincluding a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed inthe housing. A directional magnetic antenna is situated in or on thehousing and coupled to the NFMI radio. The antenna comprises a corehaving a complex shape and a coil wound around a portion of the core.The core comprises a closed end oriented toward a source of magneticnoise and an open end oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.

According to other embodiments, an ear-worn electronic device configuredto be worn by a wearer includes a housing comprising a first end and anopposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and thefirst and second sides extending between the first and second ends. Thefirst side is configured to contact the wearer's head. A battery isdisposed within the housing proximate the first end. An acousticreceiver or an acoustic receiver connector is disposed within thehousing proximate the second end. Electronics including a near-fieldmagnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed in the housing. A magneticantenna is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio.The antenna comprises a core and a coil wound around a portion of thecore. A magnetic shield is positioned between the antenna and a regionof the second side of the housing. The magnetic shield is configured asa low reluctance path to a source of magnetic noise impinging on thesecond side of the housing.

The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodimentor every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and thedetailed description below more particularly exemplify illustrativeembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the specification reference is made to the appended drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 shows left and right devices of an ear-worn electronic system,each of which incorporates near-field magnetic induction (NFMI)communication circuitry in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an ear-worn electronic system comprising a pair ofear-worn electronic devices, each of which includes a directionalmagnetic antenna for establishing a magnetic communications link inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an ear-worn electronic system comprising a pair ofear-worn electronic devices, each of which includes a directionalmagnetic antenna for establishing a magnetic communications link inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an ear-worn electronic system comprising a pair ofear-worn electronic devices, each of which includes a directionalmagnetic antenna for establishing a magnetic communications link and amagnetic shield for redirecting external magnetic noise away from theantenna in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate cores of a directional magnetic antenna having avariety of complex shapes in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a directional magnetic antenna having a core comprising anexisting high permeability component of an ear-worn electronic device inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a directional magnetic antenna having a core comprising anexisting high permeability component of an ear-worn electronic device inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows a directional magnetic antenna having a core with a complexshape that partially encompasses a battery of an ear-worn electronicdevice in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising amagnetic antenna and a magnetic shield in accordance with variousembodiments; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna and a magnetic shield in accordance withvarious embodiments.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in thefigures refer to like components. However, it will be understood thatthe use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is notintended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the samenumber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood that the embodiments described herein may be used withany ear-worn electronic device without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure. The devices depicted in the figures are intended todemonstrate the subject matter, but not in a limited, exhaustive, orexclusive sense. Ear-worn electronic devices, such as hearables (e.g.,wearable earphones, ear monitors, and earbuds), hearing aids, andhearing assistance devices, typically include an enclosure, such as ahousing or shell, within which internal components are disposed. Typicalcomponents of an ear-worn electronic device can include a digital signalprocessor (DSP), memory, power management circuitry, one or morecommunication devices (e.g., a near-field communication device, along-range communication device), one or more antennas, one or moremicrophones, and a receiver/speaker, for example. Near-field magneticinduction communication circuitry can be implemented to facilitatecommunication between a left ear device and a right ear device. Ear-wornelectronic devices can also incorporate a long-range communicationdevice, such as a Bluetooth® transceiver or other type of radiofrequency (RF) transceiver.

Ear-worn electronic devices of the present disclosure incorporate NFMIcommunication circuitry comprising a directional magnetic antennacoupled to an NFMI radio. The NFMI communication circuitry facilitatesnear-field ear-to-ear communication between a pair of ear-wornelectronic devices worn by a wearer. The NFMI communication circuitrycan also facilitate near-field communication between an ear-wornelectronic device and NFMI communication circuitry of an external deviceor system in close proximity (e.g., ˜1 m) to the ear-worn electronicdevice.

In addition to NFMI communication circuitry, ear-worn electronic devicesof the present disclosure can incorporate long-range communicationcircuitry comprising an antenna arrangement coupled to a high-frequencyradio, such as a 2.4 GHz radio. The radio can conform to an IEEE 802.11(e.g., WiFi®) or Bluetooth® (e.g., BLE, Bluetooth® 4. 2 or 5.0)specification, for example. It is understood that hearing devices of thepresent disclosure can employ other radios, such as a 900 MHz radio.Ear-worn electronic devices of the present disclosure can be configuredto receive streaming audio (e.g., digital audio data or files) from anelectronic or digital source. Representative electronic/digital sources(e.g., accessory devices) include an assistive listening system, a TVstreamer, a radio, a smartphone, a laptop, a cell phone/entertainmentdevice (CPED) or other electronic device that serves as a source ofdigital audio data or other types of data files. Ear-worn electronicdevices of the present disclosure can be configured to effectbi-directional communication (e.g., wireless communication) of data withan external source, such as a remote server via the Internet or othercommunication infrastructure.

The term ear-worn electronic device of the present disclosure refers toa wide variety of ear-level electronic devices that can aid a personwith impaired hearing. The term ear-worn electronic device also refersto a wide variety of devices that can produce optimized or processedsound for persons with normal hearing. Ear-worn electronic devices ofthe present disclosure include hearables (e.g., wearable earphones,headphones, earbuds, virtual reality headsets), hearing aids (e.g.,hearing instruments), cochlear implants, and bone-conduction devices,for example. Ear-worn electronic devices include, but are not limitedto, behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC),invisible-in-canal (IIC), receiver-in-canal (RIC), receiver-in-the-ear(RITE) or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing devices or somecombination of the above. Throughout this disclosure, reference is madeto an “ear-worn electronic device,” which is understood to refer to asystem comprising one of a left ear device and a right ear device or acombination of a left ear device and a right ear device. A combinationof a left ear device and a right ear device is also referred to hereinas an ear-worn electronic system.

FIG. 1 illustrates left and right ear-worn electronic devices 104, 106supported on or in left and right ears 105, 107 of a wearer 102. Theleft and right ear-worn electronic devices 104, 106 incorporate NFMIcommunication circuitry 110, 112. Ear-to-ear communication between theleft and right ear-worn electronic devices 104, 106 is supported by anNFMI communications link 114 established between NFMI communicationcircuitry 110, 112.

Wireless communication through NFMI utilizes a high frequency carrierwith digital modulation. The range of frequencies used in ear-wornelectronic devices of the present disclosure for NFMI data transmissiontypically falls between 3 and 15 MHz (e.g., 3-11 MHz).

There are several benefits to using NFMI technology in ear-wornelectronic devices. For example, the hardware used in NFMI datatransmission is well established, making it accessible for use indifferent types of ear-worn electronic devices. Notably, NFMI operateswithin a frequency band that easily propagates through the human headand body. This ease of propagation allows for ear-to-ear communicationbetween left and right ear-worn electronic devices 104, 106, providingthe convenience of synchronized adjustments to memory or volume, as wellas the benefits of binaural signal processing between left and rightear-worn electronic devices. Ear-to-ear communication via an NFMIcommunications link also allows unidirectional audio for facilitatingphone calls to be heard in both ears. Also, the limited range of NFMIdata transmission provides a region of secured communications in closeproximity to the wearer 102, reducing the risk of eavesdropping.

NFMI communication has a limited range due to its use of magnetic signaltransmission, which results in a wireless signal that degrades quickly.Specifically, the magnetic signal degrades approximately proportionallyto the inverse of the transmission distance cubed, whereas withfar-field or long-distance transmission methods (e.g., 900-Mhz and2.4-GHz), signals degrade at a rate proportional to the inverse of thedistance. For this reason, ear-worn electronic devices that use NFMIhave a transmission range that falls within about 1 meter of theear-worn electronic devices.

FIG. 1 shows a source 122 of external magnetic noise 120 that cannegatively impact the ear-to-ear magnetic communications linkestablished between the left and right NFMI communication circuitry 110,112. The source 122 of external magnetic noise 120 can be, for example,a display of a smartphone. During a phone call, for example, the wearer102 holds the smartphone 122 against or near his or her ear 105,bringing the source 122 of external magnetic noise 120 into theimmediate vicinity of the left NFMI communication circuitry 110. Theexternal magnetic noise 120 in this scenario degrades the NFMIcommunications link 114 established between the left and right NFMIcommunication circuitry 110, 112 (e.g., by reducing the signal-to-noiseratio).

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an ear-worn electronicdevice which incorporates a directional magnetic antenna, exclusive ofor in combination with a magnetic shield. Some embodiments are directedto an ear-worn electronic device which incorporates a directionalmagnetic antenna configured to preferentially respond to the magneticfields in one direction versus another, thereby maintaining or enhancingexisting NFMI link budget or margin. Further embodiments are directed toan ear-worn electronic device which incorporates a directional magneticantenna configured to have a lower response to noisy/undesired externaland internal magnetic fields within the operating frequency band of theear-worn electronic system's NFMI arrangement. This mitigates NFMI linkdegradation by reducing the degradation in Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)due to this magnetic field noise. The rejection in the indicatedembodiments is spatial in nature (e.g., the direction of the desired andundesired magnetic fields are used to configure the NFMI coil's core perthis disclosure). Some embodiments of an ear-worn electronic deviceincorporate a directional magnetic antenna in combination with amagnetic shield configured to redirect magnetic noise away from thepreferred direction of the NFMI coil response. It is understood that,because reciprocity applies, a transmitted magnetic field would havesimilar directional properties given an applied NFMI coil voltage orcurrent.

FIG. 2 illustrates an ear-worn electronic system comprising a pair ofear-worn electronic devices, each of which includes a directionalmagnetic antenna for establishing a magnetic communications link inaccordance with various embodiments. The ear-worn electronic system 200shown in FIG. 2 includes a left ear-worn electronic device 210positioned at the left side 204 of a wearer's head 202 and a rightear-worn electronic device 240 positioned at the right side 206 of thewearer's head 202. The left ear-worn electronic device 210 includes ahousing 211 having a first end 212 and an opposing second end 214. Thehousing 211 also includes a first side 216 and an opposing second side218. The first side 216 of the housing 211 is configured to contact theleft side 204 of the wearer's head 202. A battery 224 is disposed withinthe housing 211 proximate the first end 212. An acoustic receiver or anacoustic receiver connector 220 is disposed within the housing 211proximate the second end 214. Various electronics 222, including an NFMIradio, are disposed between the battery 224 and the receiver/connector220. The electronics 222 can include, for example, one or moreprocessors, microphones, micro switches, memory, power managementcircuitry, and a long-range radio (e.g., a Bluetooth® radio).

A directional magnetic antenna 226 is situated proximate the first end212 of the housing 211. Situating the directional magnetic antenna 226near the first end 212 serves to spatially separate the antenna 226 frominternal magnetic noise sources within the housing 211. According tovarious embodiments, the directional magnetic antenna 226 includes acore having a complex shape, allowing the directional magnetic antenna226 to preferentially interact with the magnetic field in one directionversus another (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4). In some embodiments, amagnetic shield 228 is situated proximate the directional magneticantenna 226 within the housing 211. The magnetic shield 228 can besupported by or embedded within the second side 218 of the housing 211.The magnetic shield 228 can be a stamped or a printed structure (e.g., alaser direct structuring (LDS) structure) comprising high permeabilitymaterial. The high permeability material can comprise ferrite, ferriteloaded elastomer, a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel), or mu-metal,for example. The magnetic shield 228 is configured as a low reluctancepath to an external source of magnetic noise impinging on the secondside 218 of the housing 211. The shape of the magnetic shield 228 servesto redirect the external magnetic noise away from the coil aperture ofthe directional magnetic antenna 226.

The right ear-worn electronic device 240 shown in FIG. 2 includes ahousing 241 having a first end 242 and an opposing second end 244. Thehousing 241 also includes a first side 246 and an opposing second side248. The first side 246 of the housing 241 is configured to contact theright side 206 of the wearer's head 202. A battery 254 is disposedwithin the housing 241 proximate the first end 242. An acoustic receiveror an acoustic receiver connector 250 is disposed within the housing 241proximate the second end 244. Various electronics 252, including an NFMIradio, are disposed between the battery 254 and the receiver/connector250. The electronics 252 can include those housed in the left ear-wornelectronic device 210.

A directional magnetic antenna 256 is situated proximate the first end242 of the housing 241, which serves to spatially separate the antenna256 from internal magnetic noise sources within the housing 241.According to various embodiments, the directional magnetic antenna 256includes a core having a complex shape, allowing the antenna 256 topreferentially interact with the magnetic field in one direction versusanother. In some embodiments, a magnetic shield 258 is situatedproximate the directional magnetic antenna 256 within the housing 241.The magnetic shield 258 can be supported by or embedded within thesecond side 248 of the housing 241, and comprise the same structure andmaterial as the magnetic shield 228 of the left ear-worn electronicdevice 210. The magnetic shield 258 is configured as a low reluctancepath to an external source of magnetic noise impinging on the secondside 248 of the housing 241. The shape of the magnetic shield 258 servesto redirect the external magnetic noise away from the coil aperture ofthe directional magnetic antenna 256. The directional magnetic antennas226 and 256 are configured to support a magnetic (e.g., NFMI)communications link for effecting communication between the left andright ear-worn devices 210, 240.

FIG. 3 illustrates an ear-worn electronic system comprising a pair ofear-worn electronic devices, each of which includes a directionalmagnetic antenna for establishing a magnetic communications link inaccordance with various embodiments. The ear-worn electronic system 300shown in FIG. 3 includes a left ear-worn electronic device 310positioned at the left side 304 of a wearer's head 302 and a rightear-worn electronic device 340 positioned at the right side 306 of thewearer's head 302. FIG. 3 illustrates a coplanar NFMI coil coupling modewhich reduces the impact of external magnetic field noise on themagnetic communications link budget.

The left ear-worn electronic device 310 includes a directional magneticantenna 320 comprising a core 321 and a coil 323 wound around a portionof the core 321. The core 321 comprises high permeability material andhas a complex shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the core 321 hasa C-shape. A core having a complex shape refers to a core with alongitudinal axis comprising a first portion and at least a secondportion that is non-parallel with respect to the first portion (e.g., acurved longitudinal axis). For example, a core having a complex shaperefers to a core comprising at least a first portion having a firstlongitudinal axis and a second portion having a second longitudinalaxis, such that the first longitudinal axis is non-parallel with respectto the second longitudinal axis. A core having a complex shape can havea closed end, which is oriented toward the source of magnetic noise, andan open end, which is oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.The core is oriented to reduce induced voltages from noisy magneticfields while not attenuating induced voltages from desired (e.g.,signal) magnetic fields. Other representative cores having a complexshape include those having a U-shape, a semi/partially-rectangular-Ushape, an L-shape, or a horseshoe-like shape. In contrast to the complexshape of core 321 shown in FIG. 3 and as described herein, aconventional core has a simple shape with a straight longitudinal axis(e.g., a straight cylindrical rod).

The C-shaped core 321 includes a first portion 322 having a firstlongitudinal axis 322 a, a second portion 324 having a secondlongitudinal axis 324 a, and third portion 325 having third longitudinalaxis 325 a. The first longitudinal axis 322 a is non-parallel (e.g.,oblique, perpendicular) with respect to the second and thirdlongitudinal axes 324 a, 325 a. The complex shape of the core 321provides for increased strength of the magnetic field lines between theends of the outwardly extending second and third portions 324, 325 anddecreased strength of the magnetic field lines emanating from the closedportion 322 of the C-shaped core 321. The closed portion 322 defines alow reluctance portion of the core 321. In the embodiment shown in FIG.3, the low reluctance portion 322 of the core 321 is oriented towards aknown source of external magnetic noise 313 (e.g., a display of asmartphone) that impinges on the side 312 of the housing 311. In thisorientation, the directional magnetic antenna 320 has a lower responseto external magnetic noise 313 relative to desired (e.g., signal)magnetic fields. In FIG. 3, the symbol X indicates a direction of aweaker magnetic field, while the arrows indicate a direction of ahigher-strength magnetic field.

The right ear-worn electronic device 340 includes a directional magneticantenna 350 comprising a core 351 and a coil 353 wound around a portionof the core 351. The core 351 has a complex shape, which is a C-shape inthis embodiment. A closed portion 352 defines a low reluctance portionof the core 351. The low reluctance portion 352 of the core 351 isoriented towards a known external magnetic noise source 363 (e.g., adisplay of a smartphone). In this orientation, the directional magneticantenna 350 has a lower response to external magnetic noise 363 relativeto desired (e.g., signal) magnetic fields. The coplanar NFMI coilcoupling mode illustrated in FIG. 3 provides for ear-to-ear magneticfield communications while rejecting magnetic field noise external tothe human head, and thus provides a net improvement to the magneticcommunications link budget.

FIG. 4 illustrates an ear-worn electronic system comprising a pair ofear-worn electronic devices, each of which includes a directionalmagnetic antenna for establishing a magnetic communications link inaccordance with various embodiments. The ear-worn electronic system 400shown in FIG. 4 includes a left ear-worn electronic device 410positioned at the left side 404 of a wearer's head 402 and a rightear-worn electronic device 440 positioned at the right side 406 of thewearer's head 402. FIG. 4 illustrates a coaxial NFMI coil coupling modewhich reduces the impact of internal magnetic field noise on themagnetic communications link budget.

The left ear-worn electronic device 410 includes a directional magneticantenna 420 comprising a core 421 and a coil 423 wound around a portionof the core 421. The core 421 comprises high permeability material andhas a complex shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the core 421 hasa C-shape. A closed portion 422 defines a low reluctance portion of thecore 421. The low reluctance portion 422 of the core 421 is orientedtowards a known internal magnetic noise source 413 (e.g., certainelectronics in the device 410). In this orientation, the directionalmagnetic antenna 420 has a lower response to internal magnetic noise 413relative to desired (e.g., signal) magnetic fields.

The left ear-worn electronic device 410 also includes a magnetic shield430 situated proximate the directional magnetic antenna 420. Themagnetic shield 430 can be supported by or embedded within the secondside 415 of the housing 411, and comprise the same structure andmaterial as the magnetic shield 228 of FIG. 2. The magnetic shield 430is configured as a low reluctance path to external magnetic noise 417impinging on the second side 415 of the housing 411. The shape of themagnetic shield 430 serves to redirect the external magnetic noise 417away from the coil aperture 426 of the directional magnetic antenna 420.

The right ear-worn electronic device 440 includes a directional magneticantenna 450 comprising a core 451 and a coil 453 wound around a portionof the core 451. The core 451 comprises high permeability material andhas a complex shape (e.g., a C-shape). A closed portion 452 defines alow reluctance portion of the core 451, which is oriented towards aknown internal magnetic noise source 463 (e.g., certain electronics inthe device 440). In this orientation, the directional magnetic antenna450 has a lower response to internal magnetic noise 463 relative todesired (e.g., signal) magnetic fields.

The right ear-worn electronic device 440 also includes a magnetic shield460 situated proximate the directional magnetic antenna 450. Themagnetic shield 460 can be supported by or embedded within the secondside 445 of the housing 441, and comprise the same structure andmaterial as the magnetic shield 228 of FIG. 2. The magnetic shield 460is configured as a low reluctance path to external magnetic noise 467impinging on the second side 445 of the housing 441. The shape of themagnetic shield 460 serves to redirect the external magnetic noise 467away from the coil aperture 456 of the directional magnetic antenna 450.It is noted that a magnetic shield can be incorporated in the left andright ear-worn electronic devices 310, 340 of FIG. 3 to enhance theredirection of external magnetic noise away from the coil apertures 326,356. The coaxial NFMI coil coupling mode and magnetic shieldingstructure illustrated in FIG. 4 provides for ear-to-ear magnetic fieldcommunications while rejecting magnetic field noise internal to theear-worn electronic device and external to the human head, and thusprovides a net improvement to the magnetic communications link budget.

The core of a directional magnetic antenna of the present disclosure canhave a variety of complex shapes. In some embodiments, the core 500 canhave a C-shape, as is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5A. In otherembodiments, the core 502 can have a U-shape, as is shown in theembodiment of FIG. 5B. In further embodiments, the core 504 can have ahorseshoe shape, as is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5C. In someembodiments, the core 506 can have an L-shape, as is shown in theembodiment of FIG. 5D. It is understood that the core of a directionalmagnetic antenna of the present disclosure can have a complex shapediffering from those disclosed herein.

According to various embodiments, the core of a directional magneticantenna can comprise existing high permeability components in theear-worn electronic device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, anear-worn electronic device 600 includes an acoustic receiver 602,electronics 604, and a battery 606. The receiver 602 has a housingcomprising ferrous material or other suitable high permeability material(e.g., mu-metal). The directional magnetic antenna 610 has a core 611comprising a ferrite rod 612, a strap 616 comprising high permeabilitymaterial, and the housing of the receiver 602. A coil 614 is woundaround the ferrite rod 612. It can be seen in FIG. 6 that the ferriterod 612, strap 616, and receiver 602 form a C-shaped core 611. The strap616 can comprise a ferrite loaded elastomer, a ferromagnetic material(e.g., steel), or mu-metal, for example. The strap 616 defines a lowreluctance portion of the core 611 which can be oriented in a directionof a known external magnetic noise source.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a directional magnetic antenna havinga core comprising existing high permeability components in the ear-wornelectronic device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, an ear-wornelectronic device 700 includes an acoustic receiver 702, shieldedelectronics 704, unshielded electronics 706, and a battery 708. Theshielded electronics 704 are enclosed in a housing comprising magneticshielding material, such as mu-metal. The directional magnetic antenna710 has a core 711 comprising a ferrite rod 712, a strap 716, and thehousing of the shielded electronics 704. A coil 714 is wound around theferrite rod 712. It can be seen in FIG. 7 that the ferrite rod 712,strap 716, and the housing of the shielded electronics 704 form aC-shaped core 711. The strap 716 can comprise a ferrite loadedelastomer, a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel), or mu-metal, forexample. The strap 716 defines a low reluctance portion of the corewhich can be oriented in a direction of a known external magnetic noisesource.

FIG. 8 shows a directional magnetic antenna having a core with a complexshape in accordance with various embodiments. The directional magneticantenna 800 shown in FIG. 8 includes a ferrite rod 802 and a coil 804wound around the rod 802. The directional magnetic antenna 800 alsoincludes a first strip 806 and a second strip 808 respectively extendingfrom opposing ends of the ferrite rod 802. The first and second strips806, 808 comprise a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel) or othersuitable high permeability material. The ferrite rod 802, first strip806, and second strip 808 are configured to partially encompass abattery 810 of the ear-worn electronic device. The first and secondstrips 806, 808 run alongside and slightly beyond the battery 810 in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 8. The ferrite rod 802, first strip 806, andsecond strip 808 define a C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped core 801.

According to some embodiments, the first and second strips 806, 808 canbe plated with an electrically conductive material (e.g., silver, gold,copper) and include battery contacts 807, 809 configured to electricallyconnect with cathode and anode contacts of the battery 810. The battery810, made of weekly ferrous material, creates a significantly differentmagnetic path, but may have a significant amount of effective magneticaperture.

FIG. 9 illustrates an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments. Theear-worn electronic device 900 shown in FIG. 9 is configured as a RICdevice. The ear-worn electronic device 900 includes a housing 902 havinga first end 904 and an opposing second end 906. A battery 910 isdisposed within the housing 902 proximate the first end 904. An acousticreceiver connector 912 is disposed within the housing 902 proximate thesecond end 906. The receiver connector 912 is adapted to establishelectrical connection with an acoustic receiver configured for placementwithin the wearer's ear canal. An electronic circuit board 916 isdisposed within the housing 902 and supports or is coupled to variouselectronics 914, including microphones 918, 920, a micro-switches 924,925, RF (e.g., 2.4 GHz) antenna 922 and radio, DSP, and NFMI radio,among other components.

A directional magnetic antenna 940 is situated proximate the first end904 of the housing 902 and connected between contacts 930, 932 of thebattery 910, such as in the manner described previously with regard tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 8. The directional magnetic antenna 940comprises a ferrite rod 942 and a coil wound around the rod 942. Thedirectional antenna 940 comprises a core comprising the ferrite rod 942and the first and second contacts 930, 932. In this embodiment, the coreof the directional magnetic antenna 940 can have a C-shape, U-shape, orhorseshoe shape.

FIG. 10 illustrates an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments. Theear-worn electronic device 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is configured as a RICdevice. The ear-worn electronic device 1000 includes a housing 1002having a first end 1004 and an opposing second end 1006. A battery 1010is disposed within the housing 1002 proximate the first end 1004. Anacoustic receiver connector 1012 is disposed within the housing 1002proximate the second end 1006. The receiver connector 1012 is adapted toestablish electrical connection with an acoustic receiver configured forplacement within the wearer's ear canal. An electronic circuit board1016 is disposed within the housing 1002 and supports or is coupled tovarious electronics 1014, including microphones 1018, 1020,micro-switches 1024, 1025, RF (e.g., 2.4 GHz) antenna 1022 and radio,DSP, and NFMI radio, among other components. A directional magneticantenna 1040 is situated proximate the battery 1010 and partiallyencompasses the battery 1010.

The directional magnetic antenna 1040 comprises a ferrite rod 1042 witha coil wound around the rod 1042. As shown, the ferrite rod 1042 issituated between the battery 1010 and the electronics 1014. The battery1010 includes a first surface 1010 a, an opposing second surface 1010 b,and a peripheral surface 1010 c between and connecting with the firstand second surfaces 1010 a, 1010 b. The ferrite rod 1042 is situatedalong the peripheral surface 1010 c of the battery 1010. A first strap1044 comprising high permeability material extends from one end of theferrite rod 1042 along the first surface 1010 a of the battery 1010,preferably extending beyond the peripheral surface 1010 c of the battery1010. A second strap 1046 comprising high permeability material extendsfrom a second end of the ferrite rod 1042 along the second surface 1010b of the battery 1010, preferably extending beyond the peripheralsurface 1010 c of the battery 1010 (see, e.g., the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 8). The straps 1044, 1046 can comprise a ferriteloaded elastomer, a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel), or mu-metal,for example. The directional antenna 1040 comprises a core comprisingthe ferrite rod 1042 and the first and second straps 1044, 1046. In thisembodiment, the core of the directional magnetic antenna 1040 can have aC-shape, U-shape, or horseshoe shape.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments. Theear-worn electronic device 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is configuredas a BTE device. The ear-worn electronic device 1100 includes a housing1102 having a first end 1104 and an opposing second end 1106. Thehousing 1102 also includes a first side 1103 configured to contact thewearer's head and an opposing second side 1105. A battery 1110 isdisposed within the housing 1102 proximate the first end 1104. Anacoustic receiver 1112 is disposed within the housing 1102 proximate thesecond end 1106. The receiver 1112 includes a housing comprising highpermeability material (e.g., mu-metal). An electronic circuit board 1116is disposed within the housing 1102 and supports or is coupled tovarious electronics 1114, including microphones 1118, 1120, amicro-switch 1124, RF (e.g., 2.4 GHz) antenna 1122 and radio, DSP, andNFMI radio, among other components.

A directional magnetic antenna 1140 includes a ferrite rod 1142 with acoil wound around the rod 1142. The ferrite rod 1142 is situatedproximate the battery 1110. As shown, the ferrite rod 1142 is situatedbetween the battery 1110 and the first end 1104 of the housing 1102. Astrap 1144 comprising high permeability material extends from theferrite rod 1142, along the second side 1105 of the housing 1102, andcontacts the receiver 1112. The strap 1144 can comprise a ferrite loadedelastomer, a ferromagnetic material (e.g., steel), or mu-metal, forexample. The strap 1144 defines a low reluctance portion of thedirectional magnetic antenna 1140 which is oriented toward an externalsource of magnetic noise impinging on the second side 1105 of thehousing 1102. In this orientation, the directional magnetic antenna 1140has a lower response to external magnetic noise relative to desired(e.g., signal) magnetic fields. The directional magnetic antenna 1140has a core comprising the ferrite rod 1142, the strap 1144, and thereceiver 1112, similar to that shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6. In this embodiment, the core of the directional magnetic antenna1140 can have a C-shape, U-shape, or horseshoe shape.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna in accordance with various embodiments. Theear-worn electronic device 1200 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B is configuredas a BTE device. The ear-worn electronic device 1200 includes a housing1202 having a first end 1204 and an opposing second end 1206. Thehousing 1202 also includes a first side 1203 configured to contact thewearer's head and an opposing second side 1205. A battery 1210 isdisposed within the housing 1202 proximate the first end 1204. Thebattery 1210 includes a first surface 1210 a facing the first side 1203of the housing 1202 and an opposing second surface 1210 b facing thesecond side 1205 of the housing 1202. The battery 120 includes aperipheral surface 1210 c between and contacting with the first andsecond surfaces 1210 a, 1210 b. An acoustic receiver 1212 is disposedwithin the housing 1202 proximate the second end 1206. An electroniccircuit board 1216 is disposed within the housing 1202 and supports oris coupled to various electronics 1214, including microphones 1218,1220, a micro-switch 1224, RF (e.g., 2.4 GHz) antenna 1222 and radio,DSP, and NFMI radio, among other components.

A directional magnetic antenna 1240 includes a ferrite rod 1242 with acoil wound around the rod 1242. The directional magnetic antenna 1240also includes a strap 1244 comprising high permeability materialconnected to the ferrite rod 1242. The ferrite rod 1242 is situatedproximate a first section 1210 d of a peripheral surface 1210 c of thebattery 1210. A first portion 1244 a of the strap 1244 extends from theferrite rod 1242 along the second surface 1210 b of the battery 1210. Asecond portion 1244 b (shown in dashed lines) of the strap 1244 extendsalong a second section 1210 e of the peripheral surface 1210 c of thebattery 1210. The strap 1244 can comprise a ferrite loaded elastomer, aferromagnetic material (e.g., steel), or mu-metal, for example. Thefirst portion 1244 a of the strap 1244 defines a low reluctance portionof the directional magnetic antenna 1240 which is oriented towards anexternal source of magnetic noise impinging on the second side 1205 ofthe housing 1202. In this orientation, the directional magnetic antenna1240 has a lower response to external magnetic noise relative to desired(e.g., signal) magnetic fields. The directional magnetic antenna 1240has a core comprising the ferrite rod 1242 and the strap 1244, and canhave a C-shape, U-shape, or horseshoe shape.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising amagnetic antenna and a magnetic shield in accordance with variousembodiments. The ear-worn electronic device 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A and13B is configured as a BTE device. The ear-worn electronic device 1300includes a housing 1302 having a first end 1304 and an opposing secondend 1306. The housing 1302 also includes a first side 1303 configured tocontact the wearer's head and an opposing second side 1305. A battery1310 is disposed within the housing 1302 proximate the first end 1304.An acoustic receiver 1312 is disposed within the housing 1302 proximatethe second end 1306. An electronic circuit board 1316 is disposed withinthe housing 1302 and supports or is coupled to various electronics 1314,including microphones 1318, 1320, a micro-switch 1324, RF (e.g., 2.4GHz) antenna 1322 and radio, DSP, and NFMI radio, among othercomponents.

A magnetic antenna 1340 includes a ferrite rod 1342 with a coil woundaround the rod 1342. The ferrite rod 1342 is situated proximate thebattery 1210 and the first end 1304 of the housing 1302. In thisembodiment, the magnetic antenna 1340 need not be a directional magneticantenna. A magnetic shield 1350 is situated proximate the magneticantenna 1340. The magnetic shield 1350 can be supported by or embeddedwithin the second side 1305 and, in some configurations, the top 1307 ofthe housing 1302. The magnetic shield 1350 can be a stamped or a printedstructure (e.g., a laser direct structuring (LDS) structure) comprisinghigh permeability material. The high permeability material can compriseferrite, ferrite loaded elastomer, a ferromagnetic material (e.g.,steel), or mu-metal, for example. The magnetic shield 1350 is configuredas a low reluctance path to an external source of magnetic noiseimpinging on the second side 1305 of the housing 1302. The shape of themagnetic shield 1350 serves to redirect the external magnetic noise awayfrom the coil aperture of the magnetic antenna 1340.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an ear-worn electronic device comprising adirectional magnetic antenna and a magnetic shield in accordance withvarious embodiments. The ear-worn electronic device 1400 shown in FIGS.14A and 14B is configured as an RIC device. The ear-worn electronicdevice 1400 includes a housing 1402 having a first end 1404 and anopposing second end 1406. The housing 1402 also includes a first side1403 configured to contact the wearer's head and an opposing second side1405. A battery 1410 is disposed within the housing 1402 proximate thefirst end 1404. An acoustic receiver connector 1412 is disposed withinthe housing 1402 proximate the second end 1406. The receiver connector1412 is adapted to establish electrical connection with a receiverconfigured for placement within the wearer's ear canal. An electroniccircuit board 1416 is disposed within the housing 1402 and supports oris coupled to various electronics 1414, including microphones 1418,1420, micro-switches 1424, 1425, RF (e.g., 2.4 GHz) antenna 1422 andradio, DSP, and NFMI radio, among other components.

A directional magnetic antenna 1440 comprises a ferrite rod 1442 with acoil wound around the rod 1442. The ferrite rod 1442 is situated along aperipheral surface 1410 c of the battery 1410. As shown, the ferrite rod1442 is situated between the battery 1410 and the electronics 1414. Asbest seen in FIG. 14B, a first strap 1444 comprising high permeabilitymaterial extends from one end of the ferrite rod 1040 along a firstsurface 1410 a of the battery 1410. As best seen in FIG. 14A, a secondstrap 1446 comprising high permeability material extends from a secondend of the ferrite rod 1442 along a second surface 1410 b of the battery1410. The straps 1444, 1446 can comprise a ferrite loaded elastomer, aferromagnetic material (e.g., steel), or mu-metal, for example. Thedirectional antenna 1440 has a core comprising the ferrite rod 1042 andthe first and second straps 1044, 1046. In some embodiments, the firstand second straps 1044, 1046 can constitute first and second batterycontacts, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. In otherembodiments, the first and second straps 1044, 1046 are not configuredas first and second battery contacts. In this embodiment, the core ofthe directional magnetic antenna 1440 can have a C-shape, U-shape, orhorseshoe shape.

A magnetic shield 1450 is situated proximate the directional antenna1440. The magnetic shield 1450 can be supported by or embedded withinthe second side 1405 and, in some configurations, the top 1407 of thehousing 1402. The magnetic shield 1450 can be a stamped or a printedstructure (e.g., a laser direct structuring (LDS) structure) comprisinghigh permeability material. The high permeability material can compriseferrite, ferrite loaded elastomer, a ferromagnetic material (e.g.,steel), or mu-metal, for example. The magnetic shield 1450 is configuredas a low reluctance path to an external source of magnetic noiseimpinging on the second side 1405 of the housing 1402. The shape of themagnetic shield 1450 serves to redirect the external magnetic noise awayfrom the coil aperture of the directional magnetic antenna 1440.

This document discloses numerous embodiments, including but not limitedto the following:

Item 1 is an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by awearer, comprising:

a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a firstside and an opposing second side, and the first and second sidesextending between the first and second ends, the first side configuredto contact the wearer's head;

a battery disposed within the housing proximate the first end;

an acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector disposed withinthe housing proximate the second end;

electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radiodisposed in the housing; and

a directional magnetic antenna situated in or on the housing and coupledto the NFMI radio, the antenna comprising a core having a complex shapeand a coil wound around a portion of the core, the core comprising aclosed end oriented toward a source of magnetic noise and an open endoriented away from the source of magnetic noise.

Item 2 is the device of item 1, wherein the antenna is oriented withinthe housing to reduce induced voltages from noisy magnetic fields whilenot attenuating induced voltages from desired magnetic fields.

Item 3 is the device of item 1, wherein:

the closed end of the core is oriented towards the second side of thehousing; and

the open end of the core is oriented towards the first side of thehousing.

Item 4 is the device of item 1, wherein:

the closed end of the core is oriented towards the electronics; and

the open end of the core is oriented towards the first end of thehousing.

Item 5 is the device of item 1, wherein the coil-wound portion of thecore is situated between the battery and the first end of the housing.

Item 6 is the device of item 1, wherein the coil-wound portion of thecore is situated between the electronics and the first end of thehousing.

Item 7 is the device of item 1, wherein the core comprises alongitudinal axis comprising a first portion and at least a secondportion that is non-parallel with respect to the first portion.

Item 8 is the device of item 1, wherein the core comprises a curvedlongitudinal axis.

Item 9 is the device of item 1, wherein the core has a C-shape, aU-shape, a horseshoe shape or an L-shape.

Item 10 is the device of item 1, wherein:

the battery comprises a first surface facing the first side of thehousing, a second surface facing the second side of the housing, and aperipheral surface between and connecting with the first and secondsurfaces; and

the core comprises:

-   -   a first portion extending from the coil-wound portion along the        first surface of the battery; and    -   a second portion extending from the coil-wound portion along the        second surface of the battery.        Item 11 is the device of item 10, wherein:

the coil-wound portion comprises a ferrite rod; and

each of first and second portions of the core comprises a ferrite-loadedelastomer, ferromagnetic material or mu-metal.

Item 12 is the device of item 10, wherein:

the first portion of the core comprises a first electrical contactconfigured to electrically connect with the first surface of thebattery; and

the second portion of the core comprises a second electrical contactconfigured to electrically connect with the second surface of thebattery.

Item 13 is the device of item 1, wherein:

at least some of the electronics or the acoustic receiver is disposed inan enclosure comprising high permeability material;

-   -   the coil-wound portion is situated adjacent the battery; and    -   the core comprises a strap comprising high permeability material        extending from the coil-wound portion, along the second side of        the housing, and connecting to the enclosure.        Item 14 is the device of item 1, wherein:

the battery comprises a first surface facing the first side of thehousing, a second surface facing the second side of the housing, and aperipheral surface between and connecting with the first and secondsurfaces;

the coil-wound portion is situated adjacent a first section of theperipheral surface of the battery; and

the core comprises:

-   -   a first portion extending from the coil-wound portion along the        second surface of the battery; and    -   a second portion extending from the first portion and along a        second section of the peripheral surface of the battery opposing        the first section.        Item 15 is an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn        by a wearer, comprising:

a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a firstside and an opposing second side, and the first and second sidesextending between the first and second ends, the first side configuredto contact the wearer's head;

a battery disposed within the housing proximate the first end;

an acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector disposed withinthe housing proximate the second end;

electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radiodisposed in the housing;

a magnetic antenna situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMIradio, the antenna comprising a core and a coil wound around a portionof the core; and

a magnetic shield positioned between the antenna and a region of thesecond side of the housing, the magnetic shield configured as a lowreluctance path to a source of magnetic noise impinging on the secondside of the housing.

Item 16 is the device of item 15, wherein the magnetic shield ispositioned to redirect the magnetic noise away from a coil aperture ofthe antenna.

Item 17 is the device of item 15, wherein the antenna comprises a corehaving a complex shape, the core comprising a closed end oriented towardthe second side of the housing and an open end oriented toward the firstside of the housing.

Item 18 is the device of item 15, wherein the antenna comprises a corehaving a complex shape, the core comprising a closed end orientedtowards the electronics and an open end oriented towards the first endof the housing.

Item 19 is the device of item 15, wherein the core comprises alongitudinal axis comprising a first portion and at least a secondportion that is non-parallel with respect to the first portion.

Item 20 is the device of item 15, wherein the core has a C-shape, aU-shape, a horseshoe shape or an L-shape.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asrepresentative forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ear-worn electronic device configured to beworn by a wearer, comprising: a housing comprising a first end and anopposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and thefirst and second sides extending between the first and second ends, thefirst side configured to contact the wearer's head; a battery disposedwithin the housing proximate the first end; an acoustic receiver or anacoustic receiver connector disposed within the housing proximate thesecond end; electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI)radio disposed in the housing; and a directional magnetic antennasituated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio, the antennacomprising a core having a complex shape and a coil wound around aportion of the core, the core comprising a closed end oriented toward asource of magnetic noise and an open end oriented away from the sourceof magnetic noise.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the antenna isoriented within the housing to reduce induced voltages from noisymagnetic fields while not attenuating induced voltages from desiredmagnetic fields.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein: the closed end ofthe core is oriented towards the second side of the housing; and theopen end of the core is oriented towards the first side of the housing.4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the closed end of the core isoriented towards the electronics; and the open end of the core isoriented towards the first end of the housing.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the coil-wound portion of the core is situated between thebattery and the first end of the housing.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the coil-wound portion of the core is situated between theelectronics and the first end of the housing.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the core comprises a longitudinal axis comprising a firstportion and at least a second portion that is non-parallel with respectto the first portion.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the corecomprises a curved longitudinal axis.
 9. The device of claim 1, whereinthe core has a C-shape, a U-shape, a horseshoe shape or an L-shape. 10.The device of claim 1, wherein: the battery comprises a first surfacefacing the first side of the housing, a second surface facing the secondside of the housing, and a peripheral surface between and connectingwith the first and second surfaces; and the core comprises: a firstportion extending from the coil-wound portion along the first surface ofthe battery; and a second portion extending from the coil-wound portionalong the second surface of the battery.
 11. The device of claim 10,wherein: the coil-wound portion comprises a ferrite rod; and each offirst and second portions of the core comprises a ferrite-loadedelastomer, ferromagnetic material or mu-metal.
 12. The device of claim10, wherein: the first portion of the core comprises a first electricalcontact configured to electrically connect with the first surface of thebattery; and the second portion of the core comprises a secondelectrical contact configured to electrically connect with the secondsurface of the battery.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein: at leastsome of the electronics or the acoustic receiver is disposed in anenclosure comprising high permeability material; the coil-wound portionis situated adjacent the battery; and the core comprises a strapcomprising high permeability material extending from the coil-woundportion, along the second side of the housing, and connecting to theenclosure.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein: the battery comprises afirst surface facing the first side of the housing, a second surfacefacing the second side of the housing, and a peripheral surface betweenand connecting with the first and second surfaces; the coil-woundportion is situated adjacent a first section of the peripheral surfaceof the battery; and the core comprises: a first portion extending fromthe coil-wound portion along the second surface of the battery; and asecond portion extending from the first portion and along a secondsection of the peripheral surface of the battery opposing the firstsection.
 15. An ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by awearer, comprising: a housing comprising a first end and an opposingsecond end, a first side and an opposing second side, and the first andsecond sides extending between the first and second ends, the first sideconfigured to contact the wearer's head; a battery disposed within thehousing proximate the first end; an acoustic receiver or an acousticreceiver connector disposed within the housing proximate the second end;electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radiodisposed in the housing; a magnetic antenna situated in or on thehousing and coupled to the NFMI radio, the antenna comprising a core anda coil wound around a portion of the core; and a magnetic shieldpositioned between the antenna and a region of the second side of thehousing, the magnetic shield configured as a low reluctance path to asource of magnetic noise impinging on the second side of the housing.16. The device of claim 15, wherein the magnetic shield is positioned toredirect the magnetic noise away from a coil aperture of the antenna.17. The device of claim 15, wherein the antenna comprises a core havinga complex shape, the core comprising a closed end oriented toward thesecond side of the housing and an open end oriented toward the firstside of the housing.
 18. The device of claim 15, wherein the antennacomprises a core having a complex shape, the core comprising a closedend oriented towards the electronics and an open end oriented towardsthe first end of the housing.
 19. The device of claim 15, wherein thecore comprises a longitudinal axis comprising a first portion and atleast a second portion that is non-parallel with respect to the firstportion.
 20. The device of claim 15, wherein the core has a C-shape, aU-shape, a horseshoe shape or an L-shape.